FIRST BLACK AFRICAN TO RECEIVE A NOBEL PRICE FOR LITERATURE
Wole Soyinka, born on July 13, 1934, in Abeokuta, Nigeria, is a towering figure in both literature and political activism.
Soyinka married Folake Doherty and the couple have three sons: Tunlewa, Bojode and Eniara.
In 1986, he became the first Black African to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature, a recognition of his profound contributions to world literature. Soyinka's writing often carried a sharp satirical edge, particularly in his exploration of modern West Africa, yet his unwavering critique of power and the evils it fosters was always at the heart of his work.
A proud member of the Yoruba people, Soyinka's early education took him to Government College and University College in Ibadan, before he earned a degree in English from the University of Leeds in 1958. On returning to Nigeria, he quickly made his mark by founding an acting company and penning his first major play, A Dance of the Forests (1960). Written for Nigeria's independence celebrations, the play broke from the romanticized narrative of the country's future, stripping it of myths and highlighting the challenges of the present, mirroring the difficulties of the past.
Soyinka’s lighter works, such as The Lion and the Jewel (1959) and The Trials of Brother Jero (1960), poked fun at the absurdity of Westernized Nigerian elites and cunning preachers profiting from their followers' credulity. Yet his more serious plays-The Strong Breed (1963), Kongi’s Harvest (1966), The Road (1965), and Death and the King’s Horseman (1975)-reflected his growing disillusionment with authoritarian rule in Africa and the corruption plaguing Nigerian society. His blend of Western dramatic elements with traditional Yoruba folklore and religious themes created a rich tapestry of symbolism, flashback, and intricate storytelling, giving his works both depth and resonance.
As a literary figure, Soyinka’s talents were not confined to the stage. From 1960 to 1964, he coedited Black Orpheus, a crucial literary journal, and over the years, he taught literature and drama at various Nigerian universities, including Ibadan, Ife, and Lagos. His influence extended beyond Nigeria’s borders as well; after winning the Nobel Prize, Soyinka became a sought-after lecturer, with many of his talks, like the Reith Lectures of 2004, published under the title Climate of Fear.
Though primarily a playwright, Soyinka also authored notable novels, including The Interpreters (1965), Season of Anomy (1973), and Chronicles from the Land of the Happiest People on Earth (2021). The latter, praised for its sharp satire on Nigerian corruption, underscored his enduring relevance. His poetry collections, such as Idanre, and Other Poems (1967) and A Shuttle in the Crypt (1972), showcased his mastery of lyricism and drama, often reflecting his personal struggles, like his imprisonment from 1967-69 for opposing the Biafran War. This period also inspired his prose work The Man Died (1972), an account of his arrest and 22-month incarceration.
Soyinka’s critical essays, notably Myth, Literature, and the African World (1976) and Art, Dialogue, and Outrage (1988), delve into the role of art and culture in society, often examining these through the lens of Yoruba mythology. His political commentary remained sharp in works like The Open Sore of a Continent (1996) and The Burden of Memory, the Muse of Forgiveness (1999), where he addressed the complexities of post-colonial Africa and Western culpability.
Soyinka’s personal history is as remarkable as his literary career. His autobiography Aké: The Years of Childhood (1981) was followed by companion memoirs, Ìsarà: A Voyage Around Essay (1989) and Ibadan: The Penkelemes Years (1994), with another memoir, You Must Set Forth at Dawn, published in 2006. His life as an advocate for democracy in Nigeria spanned decades, during which he faced imprisonment and exile. He founded and participated in numerous political organizations, including the National Democratic Organization and the Democratic Front for a People’s Federation, continuing his fight for justice and democracy well into the 21st century.
In every facet of his life-whether through plays, novels, essays, or political activism-Wole Soyinka has left an indelible mark, speaking truth to power with an eloquence and force that transcends borders.
2 окт 2024
